Backup/recovery system and methods regarding the same

ABSTRACT

A backup/recovery system and methodology that securely backs up every type of data in a computer system. According to the invention, backup/recovery system is utilized for protecting a computer system, having a first type data and a second type data. The first type data and the second type data can be changed respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, backup/recovery system is installed in the computer system. The backup/recovery system includes at least a selecting module and a processing module. A selecting module is used for selecting a first predetermined mode in accordance with the first type data and selecting a second predetermined mode in accordance with the second type data. A processing module is coupled to the selecting module, for processing the first type data and the second type data. The processing module backs up valid data being changed within the first type data while the first predetermined mode is selected by the selecting module. The processing module backs up all valid data within the second type data while the second predetermined mode is selected by the selecting module. The first type data is stored into a first variable data storage space in the computer system, and the second type data is stored into a second variable data storage space in the computer system, the first variable data storage space and the second variable data storage space are adjustable in size and proportion, so as to make good use of data storage means, such as a hard disk, and enhance the efficiency, which can also improve protective capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a backup/recoverytechnique for a computer system, and more particularly to abackup/recovery system and method that securely backs up every type ofdata in a computer system according to the characteristic of such data.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Conventional backup/recovery software establishes recovery pointsto backup data by using a static backup technique for storing data overa long period of time. When the data is in a state of maintenance, allvalid data of such data in maintenance will be backed up. Accordingly tothe conventional backup/recovery software, backing up data by thisstatic backup technique takes up fixed storage space in the computersystem. Moreover, the backed-up data is kept in a state of perpetuity,independent of other current or future data contained in a data storagemeans, such as a hard disk, of the computer system.

[0005] When executing the backup operation, the conventionalbackup/recovery software backs up all valid data in the data storagemeans by using the static backup technique and then keeps the backed-updata in a recovery point within a storage space. Ordinarily, thebacked-up data occupies a large amount of storage space in the datastorage means due to the great amount of valid data backed up. Moreover,the processing speed of the conventional backup/recovery software inbacking up and/or recovering data is quite slow.

[0006] For example, the conventional backup/recovery software, such asthe Ghost software developed by Symantec Corporation, includes a backupprogram to back up all data stored in selected partitions of the harddisk to a file. In addition, it further includes a recovery program forrestoring the data from the file to the selected partitions of the harddisk. Prior to backing up the data, the Ghost software stops all othertasks in the computer. It then creates the backup file, with all thebacked-up data, in a single task procedure. Generally, this backupprocedure takes about 8 minutes per Gigabyte.

[0007] Since the Ghost software backs up all the valid data stored inthe hard disk, the data itself backed up by the Ghost software occupiesan extremely large space in the hard disk. In addition, all datacurrently used by the file system of the operating system (OS) will bebacked up into the backup file. This occurs no matter whether suchrelated data would be further changed in the future or not, therebyfurther occupying a great amount of space in the hard disk.

[0008] In a situation of independent operation from the current data ofthe hard disk, the conventional backup/recovery software can execute therestoration of previously backed up data in the hard disk. Theconventional backup/recovery software nevertheless must back up theprior data in the hard disk. It is imperative that the prior data mustbe backed up fully beforehand. The conventional backup/recovery softwarewith static backup technique, however, stores all the backed-up data ina region of the hard disk that other programs can have access also. Thiswould likely induce the newly backed-up data to be destroyed. As aresult, it would be almost impossible to restore the hard disk with suchbacked-up data for that has already been destroyed.

[0009] Current techniques available in the conventional backup/recoverysoftware provide no notion of how to solve the problem of destroyedbacked up data, not to mention the result of incapable reconstruction.In order to avoid destruction to the backed up data from taking place,users of the computer system will have to undertake some protectivesteps to carefully protect their backup data. Nevertheless, this wouldrequire very complex, yet probably questionable, procedures taken by theusers. For instance, the users may store the backup data in a storagemedium, such as backing up data to a CD-R disc. This, however, makes itvery inconvenient to the users.

[0010] To save the storage space in the hard disk, some presentlyavailable backup/recovery software, such as the Goback softwaredeveloped by Adaptec Corporation and the Pro Magic software developed byWASAY Incorporation, adopt a dynamic backup technique in establishingrecovery points during the data backup process. Such dynamic backuptechnique restores the computer system to a previous state, inaccordance with the previous backup data, from a current state. Thevalid data is backed up prior to making changes to the data. The backupfile contains the backup data and identification information to identifythe backup data. Such identification information is useful restoring thecomputer system in the future.

[0011] If there are not much change of the data, the data amount to bebacked up will be relatively small. Accordingly, the storage space thatwill be occupied by the backup data can be reduced, and the requiredprocess time for restoration will also be short.

[0012] However, the dynamic backup technique has one major drawback.That is the restoration process of the dynamic backup technique dependson the current state of the data in the hard disk. For this reason,every change to the data has to be backed up by the conventionalbackup/recovery software.

[0013] But changes to the data in the hard disk usually grow in quantityas the time goes by. As such, the required recovery points and the validdata to be backed up will also increase. The increment of the size ofthe backup data gradually brings about a shortage of the storage spacefor storing data in the hard disk. Therefore, the computer system cannotkeep all previously stored recovery points timelessly for the users.Some recovery points established previously will have to be deletedaccordingly. It would be difficult for the users to attempt to keep along-term certain state about the backup data.

[0014] In other words, the conventional backup/recovery software eventhough has the backup/recovery capabilities to back up and/or recoverdata in the hard disk, the amount of the data storage space required bythe static backup technique is ordinarily larger than that is requiredby the dynamic backup technique. There are concerns about the datastorage space consuming and time-consuming for the conventionalbackup/recovery software using static backup technique.

[0015] The dynamic backup technique used in the conventionalbackup/recovery software, on the other hand, often causes the problem ofincapable of keeping earlier backup states permanently. Moreover, suchconventional software intermingles previously stored recovery pointsneeded to be preserved over a long period of time with the current dataor any new recovery points just needed temporarily. Presently availablebackup/recovery software products either have the problems of beingunable to keep the earlier stored recovery points permanently or havethe problems of keeping the data states corresponding to the recoverypoints permanently, which indeed are needed only for a short period oftime, thereby inducing the waste of data storage space and longconsuming time during the backup and restoration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention provides a backup/recovery system andmethod to resolve the foregoing problems faced by the conventionalbackup/recovery software. The present invention also has the advantageof providing a long protective period and a high recovery precision tothe backup data.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide abackup/recovery system and method, wherein dynamic recovery points andstatic recovery points thereof can share data backup space in a storagemeans proportionally. The storage proportion of the dynamic backup spacewith respect to the static backup space is automatically adjustablebased on the needs of the users or the condition of the data to bebacked up.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide abackup/recovery system and method, which can prolong the time period inprotecting computer data of identical backup space conditions. Moreover,the amount of states of protected computer data is increased withinidentical duration.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide abackup/recovery system and method, which can eliminate the operationdependence on the OS (operating system), to achieve the highestindependent character and reliability. Moreover, according to thepresent invention, the backup space is concealed from the users, so asto prevent purposeful or involuntary violence to the backup data, inorder to substantially raise the reliability.

[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a backupsystem is installed in a computer system. The computer system has afirst type data and a second type data, the first type data and thesecond type data can be changed respectively. The backup/recovery systemincludes at least a selecting module and a processing module. Aselecting module is used for selecting a first predetermined mode inaccordance with the first type data and selecting a second predeterminedmode in accordance with the second type data. A processing module iscoupled to the selecting module, for processing the first type data andthe second type data. The processing module backs up valid data beingchanged within the first type data while the first predetermined mode isselected by the selecting module. The processing module backs up allvalid data within the second type data while the second predeterminedmode is selected by the selecting module.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first type datais a temporary data needless to be preserved permanently, and the secondtype data is a perpetual data needed to be preserved over a long periodof time. The selecting module selects the first predetermined mode orthe second predetermined mode through an interface. In accordance withthe first predetermined mode, the valid data in the first type datawould be changed. The first type data can be used for restoring thecomputer system back to a state immediately before backing up the firsttype data. In accordance with the second predetermined mode, the secondtype data is in a state of maintenance. The processing module executes abackup program. The first type data is stored into a first spaceincluded in the computer system. The size of the first space isvariable. The second type data is stored into a second space included inthe computer system. The size of the second space is variable. The firsttype data is stored into a first variable space in the computer system,and the second type data is stored into a second variable space in thecomputer system, the first variable space and the second variable spaceare adjustable in size and proportion.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, abackup method is suitable for a computer system. The computer system hasa predetermined temporary data and a predetermined perpetual data, thepredetermined temporary data and the predetermined perpetual data can bechanged respectively. The backup method comprising the steps of:selecting a first process mode in accordance with the predeterminedtemporary data; and backing up valid data being changed within thepredetermined temporary data in accordance with the first process mode.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the backup methodfurther comprises the step of storing the predetermined temporary datain a first backup space of the computer system, wherein the first backupspace is variable and adjustable. The first process mode is selected bya selecting module. The predetermined temporary data can be used forrestoring the computer system. A second predetermined mode is selectedin accordance with the predetermined perpetual data; all valid datawithin the predetermined perpetual data would be backed up in the secondprocess mode. The predetermined perpetual data is stored in secondbackup space of the computer system; the second backup space is variableand adjustable. The predetermined temporary data is stored in a firstbackup space of the computer system, the predetermined perpetual data isstored in second backup space of the computer system, the first and thesecond backup space are variable and adjustable, the first and thesecond backup space constitute a total backup space. The total backupspace is variable and adjustable in size and proportion of the first andthe second backup space.

[0024] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,another backup method is suitable for a computer system. The computersystem has a predetermined temporary data and a predetermined perpetualdata, the predetermined temporary data and the predetermined perpetualdata can be changed respectively. Another backup method comprising thesteps of: selecting a first process mode in accordance with thepredetermined perpetual data; and backing up all valid data within thepredetermined perpetual data in accordance with the first process mode.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the backup methodfurther comprises the step of storing the predetermined perpetual datain a first backup space of the computer system, wherein the first backupspace is variable and adjustable. The first process mode is selected bya selecting module. The predetermined perpetual data is in a state ofmaintenance. A second predetermined mode is selected in accordance withthe predetermined temporary data; valid data being changed within thepredetermined temporary data would be backed up in the second processmode. The predetermined temporary data is stored in the second backupspace of the computer system; the second backup space is variable andadjustable. The predetermined perpetual data is stored in a first backupspace of the computer system, the predetermined temporary data is storedin a second backup space of the computer system, the first backup spaceand the second backup space are variable and adjustable, the firstbackup space and the second backup space together constitute a totalbackup space. The total backup space is variable and adjustable in sizeand proportion of the first backup space and the second backup space.

[0026] The present invention may best be understood through thefollowing description with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a backup/recovery systemof a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of a backup/recovery method ofthe preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] The present invention will now be described more specificallywith reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that thefollowing descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention arepresented herein for the purpose of illustration and description only.It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise formdisclosed.

[0030] The present invention describes a new backup technique for abackup/recovery system to establish both dynamic recovery points andstatic recovery points, which can share backup space proportionally. Thestorage proportion of the dynamic backup space with respect to thestatic backup space is automatically adjustable based on the needs ofthe users or the condition of the data to be backed up. Moreover, theusers will have no confusion and difficulty in operating the presentlydescribed backup/recovery system. Accordingly, the problem of wastingdata storage space can be solved, the protective capability and theefficiency of the described backup/recovery system can be increased. Thepresently described backup/recovery system, thus, serves users' demandsmuch more adequately.

[0031] With the backup technique of the present invention, the users cansecurely back up every type of data in accordance with thecharacteristics of data. The users can also keep the states ofpreviously stored backup data timelessly, independent from the currentdata state.

[0032] The users can also back up and/or recover data promptly in orderto economize on storage space occupied by the backup data. Therefore,the drawbacks faced by the prior arts can be solved completely.

[0033] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, abackup system is installed in a computer system. The computer system hasa first type data and a second type data, the first type data and thesecond type data can be changed respectively. The backup/recovery systemincludes at least a selecting module and a processing module. Aselecting module is used for selecting a first predetermined mode inaccordance with the first type data and selecting a second predeterminedmode in accordance with the second type data. A processing module iscoupled to the selecting module, for processing the first type data andthe second type data. The processing module backs up valid data beingchanged within the first type data while the first predetermined mode isselected by the selecting module. The processing module backs up allvalid data within the second type data while the second predeterminedmode is selected by the selecting module.

[0034] The first type data is a temporary data needless to be preservedpermanently, and the second type data is a perpetual data needed to bepreserved over a long period of time. The selecting module selects thefirst predetermined mode or the second predetermined mode through aninterface. In the first predetermined mode, the valid data in the firsttype data would be changed. The first type data can be used forrestoring the computer system back to a state immediately before backingup the first type data. In the second predetermined mode, the secondtype data is in a state of maintenance. The processing module executes abackup program. The first type data is stored into a first spaceincluded in the computer system. The size of the first space isvariable. The second type data is stored into a second space included inthe computer system. The size of the second space is variable. The firsttype data is stored into a first variable space in the computer system,and the second type data is stored into a second variable space in thecomputer system, the first variable space and the second variable spaceare adjustable to regulate the size and the proportion.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of abackup/recovery system of a preferred embodiment according to thepresent invention is shown. The backup/recovery system of the presentinvention is suitable for a computer system, which stores a first typedata and a second type data. The first type data and the second typedata can be changed respectively. The backup/recovery system includes atleast a selecting module and a processing module.

[0036] The selecting module comprises an establishing and managingmodule 10. The establishing and managing module 10 is used to establishrecovery points for different demands, and to facilitate managing therecovery points. The establishing and managing module 10 has a selectinginterface, which can be a computer/human interface. Through thecomputer/human interface, the users can use the backup/recovery systemmore easily, so that the users' satisfactions can be adequately met.

[0037] The processing module is coupled to the selecting module. Theprocessing module is capable of executing a backup/recovery program toprocess the first type data and the second type data of the computersystem. The first type data is a temporary data needless to be preservedpermanently, and the second type data is a perpetual data needed to bepreserved over a long period of time.

[0038] The processing module includes a first processing module 16, aprivate partition-managing module 14, a second processing module 12 anda write-in operation-managing module 18.

[0039] The establishing and managing module 10 is used to receive therecovery point-establishing request issued from the users and theestablishing request issued from the auto-establishing module. Theselecting function accepts users' choices with respect to theestablishing mode according to their needs. The establishing mode forthe recovery point has at least two selections. One is a firstpredetermined mode, and the other is a second predetermined mode. Theusers can choose the first predetermined mode in accordance with thefirst type data, or choose the second predetermined mode in accordancewith the second type data.

[0040] The write-in operation-managing module 18 is used to take overall write-in operations to the data storage means, such as the harddisk, from outside. The write-in operation-managing module 18 receivesall of the requests of changing disk data. The requests of changing datamay include the designated address of the hard disk or the new data. Thewrite-in operation-managing module 18 analyzes and identifies those datato be backed up and issues the backup request to the first processingmodule 16 to back data up.

[0041] The first processing module 16 is responsible for the firstpredetermined mode, which keeps track of backing up valid data beingchanged within the first type data and stores into a first backup spaceincluded in the computer system. The size of the first backup space isvariable and can be adjusted automatically. The stored backup datacontains therein the information regarding all changed sectors. Forinstance, the stored backup data includes the data that should be backedup having the data of fixed bytes contained in a changed sector itselfand the sector number corresponding to this changed sector.

[0042] The second processing module 12 is responsible for the secondpredetermined mode, which backs up all valid data of the second typedata, i.e., all valid data of the disk area needed to be protected. Thesecond type data is in a state of permanent maintenance and is storedinto a second backup space included in the computer system. The size ofthe second backup space is changeable and can be adjusted automatically.

[0043] The first backup space and the second backup space together forma total backup space. The total backup space is variable and capable ofautomatically regulating the size and the proportion of the first backupspace with respect to the second backup space.

[0044] The private partition-managing module 14 is used to delimit partsof the areas of the disk as the special purpose partition. The specialpurpose partition can write in data for the recovery points of the firstprocessing module 16 and the second processing module 12, which can beused by the backup/recovery system only.

[0045] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, abackup method is suitable for a computer system. The computer system hasa predetermined temporary data and a predetermined perpetual data, thepredetermined temporary data and the predetermined perpetual data can bechanged respectively. The backup method comprising the steps of:selecting a first process mode in accordance with the predeterminedtemporary data; and backing up valid data being changed within thepredetermined temporary data in accordance with the first process mode.

[0046] The backup method further comprises the step of storing thepredetermined temporary data in a first backup space of the computersystem, wherein the first backup space is variable and adjustable. Thefirst process mode is selected by a selecting module. The predeterminedtemporary data can be used for restoring the computer system. A secondpredetermined mode is selected in accordance with the predeterminedperpetual data. All valid data within the predetermined perpetual datawould be backed up during the second process mode. The predeterminedperpetual data is stored in the second backup space of the computersystem, and the second backup space is variable and adjustable. Thepredetermined temporary data is stored in a first backup space of thecomputer system, the predetermined perpetual data is stored in a secondbackup space of the computer system, the first and the second backupspace are variable and adjustable, and the first and the second backupspace together constitute a total backup space. The total backup spaceis variable and adjustable in size and proportion of the first and thesecond backup space.

[0047] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,there is another backup method suitable for a computer system. Thecomputer system has a predetermined temporary data and a predeterminedperpetual data. The predetermined temporary data and the predeterminedperpetual data can be changed respectively. Another backup methodcomprising the steps of: selecting a first process mode in accordancewith the predetermined perpetual data; and backing up all valid datawithin the predetermined perpetual data in accordance with thepredetermined mode.

[0048] Another backup method further comprises the step of storing thepredetermined perpetual data in a first backup space of the computersystem, wherein the first backup space is variable and adjustable. Thepredetermined mode is selected by a selecting module. The predeterminedperpetual data is in a state of maintenance. A second predetermined modeis selected in accordance with the predetermined temporary data, whereinvalid data being changed within the predetermined temporary data wouldbe backed up in the second predetermined mode. The predeterminedtemporary data is stored in the second backup space of the computersystem, and the second backup space is variable and adjustable. Thepredetermined perpetual data is stored in a first backup space of thecomputer system, the predetermined temporary data is stored in a secondbackup space of the computer system, the first and the second backupspace are variable and adjustable, and the first backup space and thesecond backup space together constitute a total backup space. The totalbackup space is variable and adjustable in size and proportion of thefirst and the second backup space.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic flow chart of a backup/recoverymethod of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention isshown. According to the present invention, the backup/recovery method ofthe present invention is suitable for a computer system, which has apredetermined temporary data and a predetermined perpetual data. Thepredetermined temporary data and the predetermined perpetual data can bechanged respectively. The backup method includes at least a selectingstep and a processing step.

[0050] The selecting step can be done in the establishing and managingmodule 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) of the selecting module. Generallyspeaking, a computer system connected to a network will often be easilyinfected by virus. Hence, the backup/recovery system of the presentinvention provides an auto-establishing module 70, in order toautomatically establish a recovery point prior to receiving data fromthe network. When there is any unexpected accident happens, thebackup/recovery system can restore the computer system to a previousstate.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the type-selecting module 68 is designed toreceive the recovery point-establishing request issued from the users 60and the establishing request issued from the auto-establishing module70. Upon the type-selecting module 68 receives the request forestablishing recovery point that is issued from the users 60 or theauto-establishing module 70, the selecting function of thetype-selecting module 68 chooses a selecting mode for the recovery pointaccording to the requests.

[0052] The backup/recovery method of the present invention provides thecapability of options that may be chose by an user, so that every typeof data in a computer system can be backed up and/or restored accordingto an user's choice. The user can choose, through the computer/humaninterface of the type-selecting module 68, the first predetermined modeprocessed by the first processing module 16 in accordance with thepredetermined temporary data or can choose the second predetermined modeprocessed by the second processing module 12 in accordance with thepredetermined perpetual data. The user can also choose the establishingmode for the recovery points taking either the occupied storage space orthe speed of data backup/recovery into consideration to satisfy theuser's needs.

[0053] The second processing module 12 backs data up on theunderstanding that the type-selecting module 68 selects the secondpredetermined mode processed by the second processing module 12. All thevalid data of the second predetermined mode, which is in a state ofpermanent maintenance, will be backed up and stored into a perpetualbackup space included in the computer system. The size of the perpetualbackup space is changeable and can be adjusted automatically.

[0054] As shown in this figure, all the valid data in the disk 76, thatis, all of the valid data of the disk area that needs to be protected,is processed in the second processing module 12. The second processingmodule 12 writes the recovery point data in the privatepartition-managing module 14. The private partition-managing module usedby the backup/recovery system has never been developed by any othersoftware developers. The private partition-managing module 14 delimitsparts of the areas of the disk 76 as the special purpose partition. Theprivate partition-managing module 14 can write in data for the recoverypoints of the second processing module 12.

[0055] The first processing module 16 backs data up on the understandingthat the type-selecting module 68 selects the first predetermined modeprocessed by the first processing module 16. The first processing module16 keeps track of backing up valid data being changed within the firsttype data and stores into a temporary backup space included in thecomputer system. The size of the temporary backup space is variable andcan be automatically adjusted. The temporary backup space and theperpetual backup space form a total backup space. The total backup spaceis variable and capable of automatically regulating the size and theproportion of the temporary backup space with respect to the perpetualbackup space.

[0056] As shown in this figure, the valid data being changed in the disk76, that is, the valid data being changed according to data changerequest of the disk area that needs to be protected, is processed in thefirst processing module 16. The first processing module 16 writes therecovery point data in the private partition-managing module 14. Theprivate partition-managing module can only be used by thebackup/recovery system. Parts of the areas of the disk 76 are delimitedas the special purpose partition.

[0057] Data change source 56 is an abstract data change source, to dealwith all the requests for changing data in the disk 76 for thebackup/recovery system of the present invention. Data change source 56issues the data change request to the write-in operation-managing module18. The data change request includes the designated address of the diskand new data. The write-in operation-managing module 18 takes over allwrite-in operations to the disk 76 from outside. Upon analyzing andidentifying those data that should be backed up, the write-inoperation-managing module 18 issues the backup request to the firstprocessing module 16 in order to back data up.

[0058] The present invention puts backup data in independent backupspace so that the special purpose partition can effectively solved thestorage shortage problem of the recovery points faced by theconventional backup/recovery software. The present invention alsoensures the backup data won't be destroyed due to the shared storagepartition that can be accessed by other programs. Hence, the shortcomingthat the computer system cannot be restored to a normal state can beentirely avoided.

[0059] The backup/recovery system according to the present invention canprotect much larger amount of states of computer data when such computerdata is increased within the same duration and space, as compared to theprotection provided by the conventional backup/recovery software. Forinstance, the present invention can protect at least 1500 of 3 Gb*3 daysstates of computer data, in the event of each backup space of 3 Gb andover a 3-day period. In contrast, the Goback software with dynamicbackup technique can only protect 300 of 3 Gb*3 days states of computerdata under the same condition, while the Ghost software with staticbackup technique can only protect 2 of 3 Gb*3 days states of computerdata under such condition.

[0060] Furthermore, by using the backup/recovery system of the presentinvention, the data can be protected timelessly within a certain backupspace, such as 3 Gb, while the Goback software with dynamic backuptechnique can only protect the data 3 days ago under such condition.Hence, the backup/recovery system of the present invention not only canprotect a higher amount of states of the computer data but also canprotect the data longer, as compared to other conventionalbackup/recovery software.

[0061] While the invention has been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover variousmodifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similarstructures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A backup system, which is installed in a computersystem having a first type data and a second type data stored therein,said first type data and said second type data being capable of changedrespectively, said backup system comprising: a selecting module forselecting a first predetermined mode in accordance with said first typedata and selecting a second predetermined mode in accordance with saidsecond type data; and a processing module coupled to said selectingmodule for processing said first type data and said second type data,wherein said processing module backs up valid data being changed withinsaid first type data while said first predetermined mode is selected bysaid selecting module, and said processing module backs up all validdata within said second type data while said second predetermined modeis selected by said selecting module.
 2. The backup system according toclaim 1, wherein said first type data includes temporary data, and saidsecond type data includes perpetual data needed to be preserved over along period of time.
 3. The backup system according to claim 1, whereinsaid processing module executes a backup program.
 4. The backup systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said first type data is stored into afirst data storage space of said computer system.
 5. The backup systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the size of said first data storage spaceis variable.
 6. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein saidsecond type data is stored into a second data storage space of saidcomputer system.
 7. The backup system according to claim 6, wherein thesize of said second data storage space is variable.
 8. The backup systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said first type data is stored into afirst variable data storage space in said computer system, and saidsecond type data is stored into a second variable data storage space insaid computer system, said first variable data storage space and saidsecond variable data storage space being adjustable in size andproportion.
 9. A backup method, suitable for a computer system includinga temporary type data and a perpetual type data stored therein, saidtemporary type data and said perpetual type data being capable ofchanged respectively, said backup method comprising the steps of:selecting a first process mode in accordance with said temporary typedata; and backing up valid data being changed within said temporary typedata according to said first process mode.
 10. The backup methodaccording to claim 9, further comprising the step of storing saidtemporary type data in a first backup space of said computer system,wherein said first backup space is variable and adjustable.
 11. Thebackup method according to claim 9, wherein a second process mode isselected in accordance with said perpetual type data, all valid datawithin said perpetual type data being backed up in accordance with saidsecond process mode.
 12. The backup method according to claim 11,further comprising the step of storing said perpetual type data in asecond backup space of said computer system, said second backup spacebeing variable and adjustable.
 13. The backup method according to claim9, wherein said temporary type data is stored in a first backup space ofsaid computer system, said perpetual type data is stored in a secondbackup space of said computer system, said first backup space and saidsecond backup space are variable and adjustable, and said first andsecond backup space together constitute a total backup space.
 14. Thebackup method according to claim 13, wherein said total backup space isvariable and adjustable in size and proportion for said first backupspace and said second backup space.
 15. A backup method, suitable for acomputer system including a temporary type data and a perpetual typedata stored therein, said temporary type data and said perpetual typedata being capable of changed respectively, said backup methodcomprising the steps of: selecting a first process mode in accordancewith said perpetual type data; and backing up all valid data within saidpredetermined perpetual type data according to said first process mode.16. The backup method according to claim 15, further comprising the stepof storing said perpetual type data in a first backup space of saidcomputer system, wherein said first backup space is variable andadjustable.
 17. The backup method according to claim 15, wherein asecond process mode is selected in accordance with said temporary typedata, valid data being changed within said temporary type data beingbacked up in accordance with said second process mode.
 18. The backupmethod according to claim 17, wherein said temporary type data is storedin a second backup space of said computer system, said second backupspace being variable and adjustable.
 19. The backup method according toclaim 15, wherein said perpetual type data is stored in a first backupspace of said computer system, said temporary type data is stored in asecond backup space of said computer system, said first and said secondbackup space are variable and adjustable, and said first and secondbackup space together constitute a total backup space.
 20. The backupmethod according to claim 19, wherein said total backup space isvariable and adjustable in size and proportion for said first backupspace and said second backup space.